Wanda
asked
Chelsea Cain:
we always get bits of gretchens background in each book. I was wondering are you ever going to do a book that centers on her whole background story from the time she is young up to when she meets archie?
Chelsea Cain
Never. Ever. Ever. Don't get me wrong - I think that fans of the series would buy it. But that book would be the death of the character. Gretchen's power comes from the fact that we don't know exactly what to make of her. I will continue to tease out her motivations and backstory, because it offers shading and contradictions, but I'll never lay it out from point A to B. One of the things I've always liked about Gretchen is that she is unapologetic and never experience self-doubt. She also never explains herself. She kills because she likes it. And any other reasons are her business. I don't want to simplify her or reduce her to a diagnosis or a childhood trauma. Also, Gretchen never has a point of view in the books. I think people overlook this because she's such a strong presence. But we only ever see Gretchen from Archie or Susan's perspective. We never get inside Gretchen's head. So who would tell the story of her childhood? Don't worry. I still have a few cards up my sleeve I have yet to play that I think will satisfy some of what you're looking for. But it won't be the story of Gretchen Lowell's High School Years. Though I have to admit that would be a great young adult series.
More Answered Questions
Rick Soper
asked
Chelsea Cain:
Welcome to Goodreads! I'm a big fan of your books and talk about them often here in various groups. I saw over on Facebook that you said this was the new means by which you'd like to communicate with the public, but had yet to get many messages, so I thought I'd write you one, say I'm looking forward to One Kick, and ask if you had any advice for a lowly little independent author?
Chelsea Cain
3,804 followers
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Jun 25, 2014 02:14PM · flag